The Cleveland Browns will have two representatives participating in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick National Finals this Saturday, January 14, prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game in Baltimore. Of the 40 finalists, Catherine Rock (Girls Age Division 8-9) from Highland Heights and Austin Baker (Boys Age Division 14-15) from Greensprings will represent the Browns. A special on-field award presentation will air after the third quarter of the game, which kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 15 on CBS.
Finalists will compete separately in five age divisions at the Ravens’ team facility, with the top scorer in each group crowned national champion. All participants launch two punts, two passes and two kicks, with scores based on distance and accuracy (in feet). The best score from each activity is tabulated to determine the athlete’s total. All participants advanced to the National Finals through local, sectional and team championship competitions held throughout the NFL regular season. The top four scorers in each age group from around the country qualified as national finalists.
NFL Punt, Pass and Kick, which began in 1961, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. It is the nation’s largest grassroots sports skills competition. NFL stars including Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Dan Marino competed in the Punt, Pass & Kick program as youngsters. For more information, visit http://www.nflppk.com/.
